Statement by the Government of Nauru – Re: Meeting with New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister

Statement by the Government of Nauru – Re: Meeting with New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister

Yesterday (11 Feb), a delegation
from the Republic of Nauru led by Minister for Home Affairs
Charmaine Scotty and Minister for Justice David Adeang, met with
New Zealand's Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully and other
representatives of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Trade.

Nauru offered to meet after New
Zealand expressed concerns over recent changes to key personnel
within the Nauru judiciary. The meeting was an opportunity to
address these concerns, correct misinformation that has been
propagated through the media, provide an update on current events
in Nauru and affirm the strong relationship between our two
countries.

While New Zealand indicated its
support of Nauru's sovereign right to make appointments to its
judiciary as it sees fit, Nauru accepts that the procedures that
ensure the appointment of credible people, are equally
important.

Therefore the meeting agreed to
implement new processes to achieve these objectives.

We are pleased that the New Zealand
Government has offered ongoing and increased support to our law and
justice sector, and thank New Zealand for their continued
assistance and confidence.

The Government of Nauru reaffirms
its support of the rule of law, just as we commit to implementing
our mandate for reform that will lead to a stronger Nauru.